Supporting Pediatric Mental Health Needs

Why pediatric mental health matters

Mental health is a crucial component of a child’s well-being, impacting a child throughout their lifespan and across all domains of development, including school performance and health outcomes. Lack of information and understanding regarding mental health issues can pose serious barriers to mental health promotion in children and families.

Additionally, the stigma associated with seeking mental health services creates an additional barrier to overcome. Parents/caregivers, community residents, and key informants and leaders from community based organizations who participated in the 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment survey, interviews, and focus groups all cited mental health as one of the most critical health needs for Colorado children, regardless of geographic location or income level. Additionally, data sources such as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Child Health Survey and Healthy Kids Survey reinforce mental health as a priority for Colorado children.

Let's address mental health needs together

Learn what we're doing to help address mental health needs and how you can help in your home and your community.

Addressing pediatric mental health in our community starts with coming together to better understand the importance of youth mental health, and how we can work together to foster positive mental, social and emotional development among children.

Whether it’s helping the children in your life cope with stress, advocating for legislation that supports mental health programs, or simply becoming aware of the stigma associated with mental health help, you can play an important part in addressing this critical health need.

More than four thousand people currently participate in the Network, which joins the voices of physicians, healthcare professionals, patients and families with business leaders and community members to speak up clearly and powerfully for kids when public policy decisions are made. Advocates write letters, make phone calls, and share information when needed to influence public policies. Learn how to join the network today!

Find resources near you

Children’s Colorado’s Pediatric Mental Health Institute (PMHI) provides the highest quality mental health services to children, adolescents and their families. Learn more about how you can access services.

About Children's Hospital Colorado

We see more, treat more and heal more children than any hospital in our seven-state region. Learn about our mission and more, or search for opportunities to join our team.